The Importance of a Smile
You know that you’ve come to the right place when the first face you see is wearing a warm, welcoming smile. At our office, the first face you see likely comes from a patient care coordinator. This is a person who has stellar communication and customer service skills. They know how to make patients new and old feel welcome while also serving as a guide from the very first phone call. A patient care coordinator is invaluable in a dental office, not just because of their friendly demeanor, but because of all the hard work that they do. The next time you come into our building, you’ll know that the first face you see, is a smile and so much more.
Patient Care Coordinators are In The Know
A team makes the dream work, and we can’t do it without our patient care coordinator. They are instrumental to patient flow and office organization. In a way, they are an overseer. A patient care coordinator knows what is happening in each patient room and in the lobby. Of course, they know all about how the schedule is operating as well. Having a “birds-eye view” of the office helps the patient care coordinator keep track of immediate patient needs and allows them to ensure that everything on the schedule runs on time. If there is a question about what is going on in the office or what the schedule is like, a patient care coordinator would know the answer.
Assists Patients with their Treatment Plan
Many people know that patient care coordinators schedule appointments, check patients in and out, and answer phone calls, but these duties just scratch the surface of reality. This is a dental position that also requires thorough knowledge of the office’s computer dental software, dental terms and codes, and insurance. This way, the patient care coordinator will be able to help patients understand their insurance benefits, appointments, and the presented treatment plan. Even when a patient knows what their treatment plan will entail after speaking with the dentist, it can feel overwhelming and sometimes confusing to see it on paper. The patient care coordinator will dismantle this state of overwhelm by making sure patients understand everything presented on the treatment plan and, at this time, will discuss financial arrangements.
Talking Money and Understanding Dental Insurance
Let’s be honest. It can be uncomfortable to discuss money. The good news is that a patient care coordinator is prepared to talk openly and honestly about financial arrangements so that they can significantly reduce the likelihood of unwanted billing surprises. Before the first dental appointment even begins, a patient care coordinator will verify dental benefits so that they can confirm how a patient’s insurance will work at the office. Even without insurance, a patient can learn about ways to pay out-of-pocket expenses from this team member. A patient care coordinator will explain the financial side of appointments in a way that makes sense. No surprises here! As you know, it takes a great communicator to talk money with patients, but we know our patient care coordinator is up for the task.
Following Up with Patients
Patients are not just our patients while in the office. They are also our patients outside of the office too. Patient Care Coordinators understand this and will take the time to call patients with appointment details and to check in with any patients that are not presently on the schedule. They will be sure to return calls as well and take their time to make sure all questions or concerns are addressed. Since this dental position involves a significant amount of communication, a patient care coordinator will make the effort to get to know patients. They are a team member that truly cares about the person in front of them.
Depending on the office, a patient care coordinator’s duties may vary slightly, but at all dental practices, they should be a friendly presence that makes you feel welcome. If you’d like to chat with our patient care coordinator about appointments, reach out today.
Our patient care coordinator, along with our many other amazing team members, makes appearances on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Follow us today.
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